Refusing to let the backpacking season go away without one more night in my lovely little tent, I hit the road. My destination was Burnt Lake, on the flanks of Mount Hood. Reaching my destination around five, I circled the lake, to be sure I found the very best possible campsite. Since I was the only person there, I had my pick of the litter.

Being late October, the sun set way too early, sending me into my sleeping bag as the clock chimed seven. Being late October, it was also slow to warm in the morning, so I enjoyed my cocoon ... (more)